The song “Saranggola ni Pepe” written by NonoyGallardo, was popularized by Celeste Legazpi in the late 70’s. Its highly visual lyrics and elusive meaning appealed to political activists who, oppressed under the rule of the Marcos regime, could not openly criticize his government, for fear that they could end up “invited” to the military camps and end up like many who were held as political prisoners without due process, and many of whom became “the disappeared.”

Still, never explicitly categorized as a protest song, the folk song elements of this music also appealed to the masses and the children; and it was routinely included in school program performances. Personally, this song appeals to me in its poetic ellipse — its levels of meaning and interpretations, as versatile and playful as the archetypal kite.